Mask system for cpap or bipap therapy

Abstract

The disclosure concerns mask systems for use in continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) therapy. The mask system includes: a mask comprising (i) a cup that seals around one or both of a nose and a mouth of a user, and (ii) head gear; one or more intake air hoses designed to couple with a CPAP or BiPAP machine; and one or more exhaust air hoses that are in physical contact with the one or more intake air hoses.

1 . A mask system for use in continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) therapy, the mask system comprising:
 a mask comprising (i) a cup that seals around one or both of a nose and a mouth of a user, and (ii) head gear;   one or more intake air hoses designed to couple with a CPAP or BiPAP machine; and   one or more exhaust air hoses that are in physical contact with the one or more intake air hoses.   
     
     
         2 . The mask system of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more exhaust air hoses surround the intake air hose. 
     
     
         3 . The mask system of  claim 1 , wherein the head gear comprises a plurality of straps designed to loop around one or more of the user's head, neck, and ear. 
     
     
         4 . The mask system of  claim 1 , wherein the mask system comprises a plurality of exhaust ports to pass exhaust to the one or more exhaust air hoses. 
     
     
         5 . The mask system of  claim 4 , wherein the one or more exhaust air hoses are not coupled to the CPAP or BiPAP machine. 
     
     
         6 . The mask system of  claim 4 , wherein the one or more exhaust air hoses are coupled to the CPAP or BiPAP machine. 
     
     
         7 . The mask system of  claim 6 , wherein moisture contained in the exhaust is recycled for use in humidifying air for use in the intake air hose. 
     
     
         8 . A method of using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or a bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machine comprising fitting a user with a mask system and providing input air and exhaust gas from the user; wherein the mask system comprises:
 a mask comprising (i) a cup that seals around one or both of a nose and a mouth of a user, and (ii) head gear;   one or more intake air hoses designed to couple with a CPAP or BiPAP machine; and   one or more exhaust air hoses that are in physical contact with the one or more intake air hoses.   
     
     
         9 . The mask system of  claim 8 , wherein the one or more exhaust air hoses surround the intake air hose. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the head gear comprises a plurality of straps designed to loop around one or more of the user's head, neck, and ear. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the mask system comprises a plurality of exhaust ports to pass exhaust to the one or more exhaust air hoses. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the one or more exhaust hoses are not coupled to the CPAP or BiPAP machine. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the one or more exhaust air hoses are coupled to the CPAP or BiPAP machine. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein moisture contained in the exhaust is recycled for use in humidifying air for use in the intake air hose. 
     
     
         15 . A method of treating sleep apnea comprising use of a mask system in conjunction with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or a bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machine to provide positive air pressure to a user; the mask system comprising:
 a mask comprising (i) a cup that seals around one or both of a nose and a mouth of a user, and (ii) head gear;   one or more intake air hoses designed to couple with a CPAP or BiPAP machine; and   one or more exhaust air hoses that are in physical contact with the one or more intake air hoses.   
     
     
         16 . The mask system of  claim 15 , wherein the one or more exhaust air hoses surround the intake air hose. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the head gear comprises a plurality of straps designed to loop around one or more of the user's head, neck, and ear. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the mask system comprises a plurality of exhaust ports to pass exhaust to the one or more exhaust air hoses. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the one or more exhaust air hoses are not coupled to the CPAP or BiPAP machine. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the one or more exhaust air hoses are coupled to the CPAP or BiPAP machine.